Big win for Iowa City

By The Gazette Editorial Board

---

Tuesday's vote to keep Iowa City's bar-entry age at 21 is only one step in the community's battle against dangerously excessive drinking, but it's an enormous one. Residents' votes to keep the bar-entry age ordinance on the books was a clear signal to local leaders: Stay the course.

The controversial ordinance put in place by the City Council prohibits underage patrons in bars after 10 p.m. Many opponents expected it to be shot down. Only three years ago, voters overwhelmingly rejected a similar proposal.

That campaign to keep bar doors open to 19- and 20-year-olds was funded in large part by bar owners and students who had the most to lose if the bar-entry age was raised. This time, it was the anti-21 groups that were outspent and outmaneuvered. Pro-21 groups got the backing of big names - such as University of Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz - and big donations.

They also had the benefit of four months' worth of experience of what downtown Iowa City would be like if voters decided to leave the law on the books. There was little evidence to back anti-21 groups' claims that banning underage bar patrons after 10 p.m. would create an even more dangerous drinking culture. On the contrary, preliminary data suggested that the ordinance led to fewer alcohol-related assaults, DUIs, hospital admissions and other crimes.

Tuesday's vote is a win for public health and safety. As Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek told a Gazette reporter: “This is a significant step forward for the community.”

But forward in which direction? That's the next question.

Tuesday's vote almost certainly will change the face of downtown. Large bars that previously relied on underage patrons for income will have to evolve, or die.

Business owners should step up and look for alcohol-free ways to serve and entertain this segment of Iowa City's population. In the past, alcohol-free venues haven't had much success competing with bars. Now, that game has changed.

University and city leaders must continue their efforts to discourage and educate against excessive drinking. As UI Vice President for Student Services Tom Rocklin wrote in a statement late Tuesday: “The support voiced by Iowa City voters today for working toward a safer community is an important step. But the issue is about changing the culture of drinking, and there still is much work to do.”

Work well worth doing.

The 21-ordinance was a much-needed curb on the out-of-control drinking scene in downtown Iowa City. But it doesn't change much of what we love about Iowa City - its vibrancy, diversity and culture. Preserving and enhancing those strengths will be key to whatever comes next now that 21-only is here to stay.